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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Thessalonians 3:7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/53_2Th_03_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Thessalonians 3:7 - Warning against Irresponsibility" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_thessalonians/">2 Thessalonians</a> > <a href="/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm" title="2 Thessalonians 3:6">◄</a> 2 Thessalonians 3:7 <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm" title="2 Thessalonians 3:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_thessalonians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For you yourselves know how it behooves <i>you</i> to imitate us, because we were not idle among you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined way among you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_thessalonians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we did not act in an unruly manner among you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined <i>or</i> inappropriate manner when we were with you [we were never idle or lazy, nor did we avoid our duties],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For you yourselves know how you should imitate us: We were not idle among you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For you yourselves know how you must imitate us: We were not irresponsible among you; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You surely know that you should follow our example. We didn't waste our time loafing, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You know what you must do to imitate us. We lived a disciplined life among you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You yourselves know very well that you should do just what we did. We were not lazy when we were with you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For you yourselves know what you must do to imitate us. We never lived in idleness among you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_thessalonians/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For you know yourselves how you must imitate us, because we did not behave without discipline among you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we were not undisciplined among you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For you yourselves know that it is your duty to follow our example. There was no disorder in our lives among you,<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_thessalonians/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for you have known how it is necessary to imitate us, because we did not act disorderly among you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For you yourselves know how it behooves <i>you</i> to imitate us, because we were not idle among you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for yourselves have known how it behoveth you to imitate us, because we did not act disorderly among you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For ye yourselves know that ye ought to imitate us: for we were not disorderly among you;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For yourselves know how you ought to imitate us: for we were not disorderly among you; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For you yourselves know the manner in which you ought to imitate us. For we were not disorderly among you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_thessalonians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For you know well how you ought to imitate us; for our behaviour was not disorderly among you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For you know how it is right to imitate us, for we have not walked wickedly among you,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us: for we did not behave in a disorderly manner among you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For you yourselves know how it behooves you to imitate us; because we were not disorderly among you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For ye yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us; for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for you know what an example we have given for your imitation: that our conduct among you was regular:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For you yourselves know that it is your duty to follow our example. There was no disorder in our lives among you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For ye yourselves know that ye should imitate us; because we were not disorderly among you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For ye know how <i>ye</i> ought to imitate us: for we were not disorderly among you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p0L2MQrlSxc?start=341" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Warning against Irresponsibility</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6</span>Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autoi (PPro-NM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">you yourselves</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oidate (V-RIA-2P) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">know</a> <a href="/greek/4459.htm" title="4459: pōs (Conj) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!">how</a> <a href="/greek/1163.htm" title="1163: dei (V-PIA-3S) -- Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.">you ought</a> <a href="/greek/3401.htm" title="3401: mimeisthai (V-PNM/P) -- To imitate, follow. Middle voice from mimos; to imitate.">to imitate</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmas (PPro-A1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/812.htm" title="812: ētaktēsamen (V-AIA-1P) -- From ataktos; to be irregular.">we were not undisciplined</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">among</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">8</span>nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/11-1.htm">1 Corinthians 11:1</a></span><br />You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-17.htm">Philippians 3:17</a></span><br />Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/1-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:6</a></span><br />And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-21.htm">1 Peter 2:21</a></span><br />For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-16.htm">1 Corinthians 4:16</a></span><br />Therefore I urge you to imitate me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">1 Timothy 4:12</a></span><br />Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-7.htm">Hebrews 13:7</a></span><br />Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-1.htm">Ephesians 5:1</a></span><br />Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-6.htm">1 John 2:6</a></span><br />Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-15.htm">John 13:15</a></span><br />I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-33.htm">1 Corinthians 10:33-11:1</a></span><br />as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-10.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:10-12</a></span><br />You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed. / For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children— / encouraging you, comforting you, and urging you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Acts 20:35</a></span><br />In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-14.htm">1 Corinthians 9:14</a></span><br />In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-3.htm">2 Corinthians 6:3-10</a></span><br />We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry. / Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; / in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For yourselves know how you ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;</p><p class="hdg">how.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-9.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:9</a></b></br> Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/4-16.htm">1 Corinthians 4:16</a></b></br> Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/11-1.htm">1 Corinthians 11:1</a></b></br> Be ye followers of me, even as I also <i>am</i> of Christ.</p><p class="hdg">for.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:6</a></b></br> Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-10.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:10</a></b></br> Ye <i>are</i> witnesses, and God <i>also</i>, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_thessalonians/1-11.htm">Act</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-12.htm">Behave</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-10.htm">Behaved</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">Disorder</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">Disorderly</a> <a href="/colossians/4-4.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-14.htm">Example</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">Idle</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-12.htm">Imitate</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">Life</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-3.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-13.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-4.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-21.htm">Ruled</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Undisciplined</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-5.htm">Used</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/2-2.htm">Act</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">Behave</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-5.htm">Behaved</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Disorder</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">Disorderly</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-13.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-9.htm">Example</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-9.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">Idle</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-9.htm">Imitate</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-16.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-9.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-6.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-9.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/titus/1-10.htm">Ruled</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">Undisciplined</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">Used</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-13.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">2 Thessalonians 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-1.htm">Paul craves their prayers for himself;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-3.htm">testifies what confidence he has in them;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-5.htm">makes request to God in their behalf;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">gives them various precepts, especially to shun idleness, and ill company;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-16.htm">and then concludes with prayer and salutation.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_thessalonians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_thessalonians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For you yourselves know</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the personal knowledge and experience of the Thessalonian believers. Paul appeals to their firsthand awareness, suggesting that his conduct and that of his companions were evident and observable. This personal witness is crucial in establishing credibility and authority. In the early church, personal testimony and example were vital for teaching and reinforcing Christian behavior, as seen in <a href="/acts/20-18.htm">Acts 20:18</a>, where Paul reminds the Ephesian elders of his conduct among them.<p><b>how you ought to imitate us</b><br>Imitation is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, where he often encourages believers to follow his example as he follows Christ (<a href="/1_corinthians/11.htm">1 Corinthians 11:1</a>). This concept of imitation is rooted in the Jewish tradition of discipleship, where a disciple would closely follow the rabbi's teachings and lifestyle. In the Greco-Roman world, philosophers also encouraged imitation of virtuous lives. Paul sets himself and his companions as models of Christian living, emphasizing the importance of living out the teachings of Christ in practical ways.<p><b>because we were not undisciplined among you</b><br>Paul contrasts his disciplined behavior with the disorderly conduct he warns against. The term "undisciplined" refers to a lack of order or responsibility, often associated with idleness or disruptive behavior. In the context of Thessalonica, a bustling city in Macedonia, maintaining discipline was essential for the church's witness and unity. Paul's disciplined lifestyle served as a corrective to those who were idle, as he later addresses in <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:11</a>. This discipline reflects the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of diligence and stewardship (<a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>- The apostle who wrote the letter to the Thessalonians, providing guidance and instruction to the early church.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/silas_and_timothy.htm">Silas and Timothy</a></b><br>- Co-authors of the letter with Paul, who also served as examples to the Thessalonian believers.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/thessalonica.htm">Thessalonica</a></b><br>- A city in Macedonia where the church was established and to whom this letter was addressed.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/thessalonian_church.htm">Thessalonian Church</a></b><br>- The recipients of the letter, a community of believers facing challenges and needing encouragement.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/idleness.htm">Idleness</a></b><br>- A behavior Paul addresses, urging believers to follow the example of diligence and hard work.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/imitation_of_godly_examples.htm">Imitation of Godly Examples</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to observe and imitate the behavior of mature Christians who exemplify Christ-like living.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_idleness.htm">The Dangers of Idleness</a></b><br>Idleness can lead to spiritual stagnation and is discouraged. Christians are called to be active and productive in their faith and daily lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_work_ethic.htm">The Importance of Work Ethic</a></b><br>A strong work ethic is a testimony to others and reflects the diligence and responsibility expected of believers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_accountability.htm">Community Accountability</a></b><br>The church community should hold each other accountable, encouraging one another to live according to biblical principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_as_a_witness.htm">Living as a Witness</a></b><br>Our actions and lifestyle serve as a witness to others, and we should strive to live in a way that honors God and sets a positive example.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_thessalonians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Thessalonians 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_emulating_jesus.htm">What does it mean to emulate Jesus' actions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_stance_on_doomsday.htm">What are the Bible's views on doomsday predictions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_christian_tentmaking.htm">What is Christian tentmaking?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_was_paul_a_tentmaker.htm">Why did the apostle Paul work as a tentmaker?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">For</span> justifies the assertion that they <span class= "ital">had</span> received a better teaching. (Comp. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-1.htm" title="For yourselves, brothers, know our entrance in to you, that it was not in vain:">1Thessalonians 2:1</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-9.htm" title="But as touching brotherly love you need not that I write to you: for you yourselves are taught of God to love one another.">1Thessalonians 4:9</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-2.htm" title="For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.">1Thessalonians 5:2</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">To follow us.</span>--The word, of course, means "to imitate"; and the rather compressed expression seems to stand for something fuller, such as, "Yourselves know how you ought to live, for you have but to imitate us: you recollect not only a tradition, but an example." This is better than (with St. Chrysostom) to make the whole "tradition" consist of example without precept, however such an interpretation might simplify the logic.<p><span class= "bld">For</span> (or <span class= "ital">because</span>)<span class= "ital">.</span>--Historical justification of the statement that their example was a trustworthy mode in this particular, at any rate: see the same use of "for" in <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm" title="For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.">1Thessalonians 2:9</a>, "for labouring," &c.; <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm" title="For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication:">1Thessalonians 4:3</a>. It <span class= "ital">is</span> perhaps simpler, however, to translate the word "that," instead of "for ": "You know perfectly how to live--how to imitate our example--that we never," &c. Then follows a description of the Apostles' conduct at Thessalonica similar to that in the First Epistle, thus giving us a clearer understanding why they dwelt so long and so passionately upon the topic <span class= "ital">there</span>--namely, in order by force of tacit, contrast to shame the disorderly brethren into imitation. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_thessalonians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For yourselves know;</span> without it being necessary for me to say anything about the matter; ye yourselves are witnesses. <span class="cmt_word">How ye ought to follow</span> (or, <span class="accented">imitate</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>us</span>; better, perhaps, to be restricted to Paul than used as inclusive of Silas and Timothy. <span class="cmt_word">For we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;</span> referring to the apostle's residence in Thessalonica. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you yourselves</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοὶ</span> <span class="translit">(autoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">know</span><br /><span class="grk">οἴδατε</span> <span class="translit">(oidate)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, remember, appreciate. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">how</span><br /><span class="grk">πῶς</span> <span class="translit">(pōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> </span><span class="str2">Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you ought</span><br /><span class="grk">δεῖ</span> <span class="translit">(dei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1163.htm">Strong's 1163: </a> </span><span class="str2">Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to imitate</span><br /><span class="grk">μιμεῖσθαι</span> <span class="translit">(mimeisthai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3401.htm">Strong's 3401: </a> </span><span class="str2">To imitate, follow. Middle voice from mimos; to imitate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">us,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμᾶς</span> <span class="translit">(hēmas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we were not undisciplined</span><br /><span class="grk">ἠτακτήσαμεν</span> <span class="translit">(ētaktēsamen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_812.htm">Strong's 812: </a> </span><span class="str2">From ataktos; to be irregular.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you,</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῖν</span> <span class="translit">(hymin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">NT Letters: 2 Thessalonians 3:7 For you know how you ought (2 Thess. 2 Thes. 2Th iiTh ii th)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Thessalonians 3:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Thessalonians 3:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Thessalonians 3:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Thessalonians 3:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>